Presentation Ceremony, General Sir John Monash Foundation 2022 Scholarships, Government House

[E&OE]

I begin by acknowledging that Government House sits on the land of the Ngunnawal People here in the ACT. If you’re a Canberran, you’ll know what a beautiful part of the country this is. We thank them for looking after it for us, for generation after generation, and pay our respects to their elders past and present.

Good afternoon. Linda and I are delighted to host you today.

What an inspiring ceremony and what an impressive group of individuals.

We have just acknowledged 16 of the 18 recipients of a 2022 General Sir John Monash Foundation Scholarship individually. Now it is time to do it collectively. We also acknowledge the achievements of those unable to attend.

[Applause]

We are very pleased to be hosting functions at Government House again now that the pandemic restrictions have eased. Our interstate and overseas engagements have also resumed.

We were in South Australia last weekend and into the early part of the week – presiding over some National Emergency Medal Presentations in the Adelaide Hills, at Country Fire Service Headquarters in Adelaide, and also on Kangaroo Island.

Honouring our First Responders and Emergency Services people for their deeds during the 2019-20 fires is a priority of ours for the remainder of my term.

It’s sometimes easy to forget that the pandemic has not been the only challenge facing our nation in recent years. You name it, we’ve had it: bushfire, drought, flood, cyclones, a pandemic (as I mentioned), and a mouse plague.

Many parts of our country have felt the full force of natural disaster. Linda and I have stayed in touch with many of these communities and I can tell you that the physical impacts and emotional scars run deep. There is still plenty of hurt out there. But there are also countless examples of recovery, reasons to celebrate and signs of opportunity.

We’re a tough breed. Australians are strong, our communities are resilient, our country stands firm.

That’s because of the quality of our people. The people in this room represent that quality – both the recipients and those involved in the Foundation. You instil optimism in me.

Our country faces huge challenges, yet also offers enormous opportunity. Central to overcoming those challenges and realising those opportunities is good leadership. And ‘leadership’ is at the core of a General Sir John Monash Foundation Scholarship.

As Sir John said, ‘The privilege of education carries great responsibilities – it is given not for individual benefit alone, but to befit persons for the higher duties of citizenship and for roles of leadership in all fields to make Australia great.’

Be it here or overseas, there is much that needs attention in many sectors – sectors in which you will be pursuing postgraduate studies. They include but are not limited to: the environment, humanitarianism, our democracy, health and energy. All are important.

Linda and I look forward to meeting you and your families once the formalities are over and learning more about your work and passion.

It’s pleasing to see that the 2022 cohort of scholars includes the first Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO John Monash Scholarship, awarded to Sophie Rose. Congratulations, Sophie. The Scholarship has been made possible through a gift from Tim Fairfax AC and honours Dame Quentin, Australia’s first female Governor-General. I couldn't think of anything more fitting.

I am also excited to learn of the John Monash Leadership Academy, a new initiative which was launched last year. What I like about the Academy is that it utilises the Foundation alumni – a rich source of talent which has the potential to help solve many of the world’s problems. The Academy is about maximising the impact of the Foundation’s 233 scholars and harnessing the potential of their skills for the benefit of Australia. I encourage you to join the dots and and make good use of the Foundation's alumni network.

There is so much good wrapped up in today’s Presentation Ceremony. Linda and I believe very strongly in the work of the Foundation, the compassion it exhibits, the lives it changes, and the problems it helps solve.

To the scholars – well done. I’m informed there were 245 applications this year. You are one of eighteen who made it through. Enjoy this moment.

I also want to acknowledge the families of the scholarship recipients. You too are part of the journey. We know that your encouragement and support has been invaluable.

To all at the Foundation who have made it possible – the benefactors, scholarship sponsors, partners and supporters, and the eminent Australians who were integral to the selection process – thank you.

Linda and I are delighted to host you today – to be in your company, to celebrate our Scholars and learn more about their aspirations, and to recognise the outstanding contribution to leadership of all involved in the General Sir John Monash Foundation.

[Ends]